Push To Hike State's Minimum Wage

Michael Saltsman, who is the research director at the Employment Policies Institute, spoke with Maryland's New Now host Mary Beth Marsden about the push to raise minimum wage. He explains why the push could mean even higher unemployment for teens. Download This File

A new measure before state lawmakers in Annapolis could increase the minimum wage by 2015 in Maryland.

State officials say if the measure passes, it would raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10 an hour.

Additionally, the measure would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers from 50 percent to 70 percent, and adjust the minimum wage annually with the cost of living, officials say.

Supporters of increasing Maryland's minimum wage rallied outside the State House Tuesday morning. They held signs that read: "we can't survive on $7.25" as they chanted "raise the wage."

Senator Rob Garagiola, D-Montgomery, and Delegate Aisha Braveboy, D-Prince George's, are sponsoring the legislation. They also joined supporters Tuesday in Annapolis.

Senator Garagiola says 19 states and the District of Columbia have a higher minimum wage than Maryland, which hasn't raised minimum wage since 2005.